PRESS RELEASES: PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE PRESS

PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY AUCTION A SUMMER DAY SUCCESS Wine Community Generosity Answers the Gavel Call to Raise Over $104,000 for Local Charities

Paso Robles, CA (August 30, 2012) The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s annual community fundraiser – the Paso Robles Wine Country Auction – raised more than $104,000 with lively bidding at the afternoon brunch event on August 18, 2012. Guests joined the region’s most celebrated wineries to raise funds for San Luis Obispo County organizations that support healthcare, education and greater community services. Summerwood Winery & Inn’s beautiful garden framed this gathering of wine and food enthusiasts for a postcard day in wine country.

Attendees were greeted with a seafood bar paired with Bloody Marys from Re:find Distillery, Paso Robles’ first distillery, as well as refreshing white and rosé wines. The day’s 33 one-of-a-kind auction lots were previewed to the sounds of Paderweski Festival inspired piano arrangements. The live auction began with a bang and remained fast paced until the final gavel came down.

“I believe this year’s auction was a huge success,” said Alex Villicana, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Board Chairman. “Once again the wine community came together to raise funds for worthy charities in our community.”

Top bidder Thom Schulz, co-founder/chairman of the Cancer Support Community, Central Coast and cancer survivor said, "Giving back to our community is the spirit of this event and an important priority for me.” He secured several of the highest valued lots including lots which showcased 12 and 10-year vintage verticals from Windward Vineyard and Tablas Creek Vineyard.

Proceeds from the Paso Robles Wine Country Auction will be gifted back to the community in December 2012. A formal application process, as well as criterion will be announced in October.

The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance represents wineries, growers and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country is California’s fastest growing wine region. It encompasses more than 26,000 vineyard acres and more than 200 wineries. For more information, visit www.pasowine.com